Rode microphones are known the world over for their high-quality build, sound, and reasonable prices.
But what about their other product lines?
When recording a podcast or an interview, standing can be uncomfortable. A desktop microphone is an ideal solution.
This article is going to look specifically at the Rode DS1 tabletop desk stand.
I’m going to cover its aesthetic, dimensions, features, material, weight, my own experiences with the stand, the warranty, the value for money, and customer ratings and reviews.
Then I’m going to top that off with answers to your most frequently asked questions on the subject.
And without further ado, let’s get straight to it!
Overview
The Rode brand has been around as far back as 1967, with a hand in producing all types of audio goods.
They then shortly went on to produce one of the best-selling microphones of all time.
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Rode set out to expand its catalog, and one such product put forward was the Rode DS1 desktop stand.
It’s a slimline, low profile metal stand. This stand has a sturdy metal base best for table top use.
And one of the more popular traits is its height adjustment feature, which comes in handy when different people are using it.
Aesthetic
One of the more attractive things about the stand is its rather understated and unassuming aesthetic.
It’s plain black, and it’s quite narrow, with a diameter of just 147 mm.
This means that whenever you are video calling or home recording, there are no garish colors on the stand to drag your attention away from any actual video content.
Dimensions
As mentioned earlier, the mic stand has an adjustable height.
The telescopic nature of the stand means that you can adjust it from 260 mm or 10 inches, an additional 6 inches, so that it reaches 16 inches or 405 mm.
Features
I’ve mentioned the adjustable height already, but there’s another great feature to highlight.
Of course, the Rode DS1 is compatible with various Rode brand mics, but it’s not limited to them. In fact, it works with a wide variety of microphones too.
Material
With its all-black aesthetic, you may be forgiven for wondering if it’s made of plastic.
However, I’m pleased to inform you that the entire ensemble is made from metal. More specifically, it’s made with lightweight aluminum and steel to securely support any mic.
Weight
One of the great things about the Rode DS1 is just how lightweight it is.
At just 2.6 pounds, or 0.9 kg, it weighs little more than a standard bag of sugar.
This can come in handy when you want to pick it up to adjust the height, or to simply take it with you somewhere.
My Personal Experience With The Stand
Despite occasional customer reviews to the contrary, I found the stand very sturdy and stable, thanks to the weighted base.
Upon unboxing, I found the stand easy to assemble. Furthermore, I discovered the height of the stand was adjustable without difficulty.
The package includes cable clips that can be used to attach the cables securely at the back of the monitor. After that, I was able to mount my laptop on the stand with ease.
Adding a pop filter to the Rode DS1 desktop stand also enabled me to minimize background noise interference.
ALSO SEE: How To Reduce Backgrond Noise On Mic
Warranty
Should you decide to invest in the Rode DS1 desktop mic stand, you will be supplied with a manufacturer’s warranty (also see, ‘Rode Mic Stand‘).
But better yet, Rode also happens to offer an extended warranty, whereby you can get cover on the stand for 5 years, 10 years, or even a lifetime.
However, this extended warranty is only available for purchases that are made through an authorized dealer.
All you have to do to sign up for the extended warranty is simply head over to Rode’s website and fill out a short form.
Value For Money
To be honest, mic stands tend to be quite affordable, especially when compared with all the other equipment someone may have in place for podcast recording and such.
But desktop mic stands can vary quite considerably in price, typically ranging from as little as $6 up to about $60, although you can sometimes find ones that cost up to about $130.
The recommended retail price of the Rode DS1 desktop mic stand rests very much in the middle of this range, but of course, the precise purchase price you pay is likely to vary between stores.
Amazon occasionally offers deals on this particular item, and when this article was written, you could save as much as 25% on the recommended retail price.
Customer Ratings And Reviews
Unsurprisingly for such a well-respected brand, the Rode DS1 mic stand has earned some impressive customer ratings and reviews.
On Amazon.com for example, after well over 700 individual customer ratings, the average customer rating still comes in at an impressive 4 and a half stars out of 5, with a whopping 76% giving it a full five-star rating.
Customers also rated the stand by feature, giving it 4.7 stars for the quality of the material, and 4.3 stars for sturdiness.
However, it only scored 3.6 stars for stability, which is not as high as I would have liked to have seen.
Summary Of Pros And Cons
Pros
- Solid all-metal build, constructed from aluminum and steel
- Sleek, understated all-black aesthetic
- Compatible with a wide range of mics
- Comes from a well established big name brand
- Telescopic for adjustable height
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- The stand can tilt and topple, depending on what surface it’s placed on
Frequently Asked Questions
Will This Stand Work With A Blue Yeti X And Blue Yeti Shock Mount?
To be honest, the Blue Yeti X is kinda a heavy microphone and this desktop stand wouldn’t really be suitable for it.
Wrap Up
So, in short, I found the Rode DS1 desktop stand to be of excellent quality and easy to use. I had no issues with it whatsoever.
And I’m not the only one who thinks so, it’s had rave reviews across the net.
What’s more, it’s also very reasonably priced, and depending on where you buy it, you could catch a deal.
